Roman Vasyanov

Biography

Roman Vasyanov (born October 24, 1980, in Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union) is a highly acclaimed Russian cinematographer. He is renowned for his dynamic visual style and his frequent collaborations with director David Ayer, bringing a distinctive aesthetic to both gritty dramas and large-scale action films.

Early Life and Education:

Vasyanov's journey into cinematography began at a young age, influenced by his father, a photographer for the ZIL automobile plant, with whom he engaged in photography as a child. He freelanced for magazines and newspapers, gaining early experience in visual media. He further pursued his passion by entering the prestigious VGIK (Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography) in 1998, studying under the esteemed cinematographer V. I. Yusov, known for his work with Andrei Tarkovsky. Vasyanov graduated from VGIK in 2003. While studying, he also worked as an assistant cameraman for the TV series "Brigada."

Career Highlights and Notable Collaborations:

Vasyanov quickly made a name for himself in the commercial world, shooting over 300 commercials for major brands like Philips, Puma, Budweiser, Dell, and Pepsi. His feature film career took off with the Russian musical film Stilyagi (2008), for which he was nominated for a Golden Eagle Award for Best Cinematography.

His career gained significant international momentum through his collaborations with American director David Ayer. Their partnership has resulted in several impactful films, characterized by a realistic and immersive visual approach:

• End of Watch (2012): This police thriller earned Vasyanov a nomination for Best Cinematographer at the 28th Independent Spirit Awards, solidifying his presence in Hollywood.

• Fury (2014): A critically acclaimed World War II film that showcased Vasyanov's ability to capture intense action and human drama within a confined setting. For this film, he focused on naturalistic lighting and often used long shots to create intensity.

• Suicide Squad (2016): A large-scale comic book adaptation that demonstrated his versatility in handling blockbuster visuals.

• Bright (2017): Another collaboration with Ayer, blending fantasy elements with a police procedural.

Beyond his work with Ayer, Vasyanov's filmography includes:

• The Motel Life (2012)
• The East (2013)
• Charlie Countryman (2013)
• The Wall (2017)
• Thank You for Your Service (2017)
• Triple Frontier (2019)
• Odessa (2019)
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He is a member of both the Russian Guild of Cinematographers and the American Society of Cinematographers, joining the latter in 2022. Roman Vasyanov continues to be a sought-after cinematographer, recognized for his distinct visual style and his dedication to creating compelling and authentic cinematic experiences.